Kiss' 'Music From The Elder': A Cautionary Tale of Ambition and Misstep
Kiss' 1981 album "Music From 'The Elder'" is often considered a major misstep in the band's career. Bassist Gene Simmons has expressed regret over the failed attempt to create a concept album that would rival the great records of the past. The album was intended to be a soundtrack for a Hollywood movie based on a fantasy tale written by Simmons, but the film was never made, and the album was a disaster.
At the time of the album's creation, Kiss was facing internal turmoil due to substance abuse issues and lineup changes. Uncertain about the direction to take after their previous pop-oriented albums, the band enlisted producer Bob Ezrin, known for his work on Kiss' "Destroyer" and Pink Floyd's "The Wall," to help with the project.
The concept of "The Elder," a story about a hero restoring balance between good and evil, was developed by Simmons and Ezrin. The band worked on the album at guitarist Ace Frehley's home studio in Connecticut, with Lou Reed contributing to two songs. Despite the ambitious vision, the album's execution fell short, with songs like "Just A Boy" and "The Oath" receiving mixed reviews.
Ace Frehley, who was not on board with the concept, only recorded one song for the album. The recording process took place in Ezrin's studio in Toronto during the winter, adding to the challenging atmosphere. The album's release was met with embarrassment by the band, as the track sequence was altered, making the storyline confusing.
Despite its initial failure, "Music From 'The Elder'" has gained a cult following among some Kiss fans over the years. Simmons acknowledges the requests for an "Elder" tour but remains embarrassed by the album's reception. The band's attempt to achieve critical success with the album ultimately backfired, leading to disappointment and a lack of commercial success.
In conclusion, "Music From 'The Elder'" stands as a cautionary tale of a band's ambitious misstep that fell short of expectations. Despite its cult status, the album remains a sore point for Kiss and a reminder of the risks of straying too far from their signature sound.